Lighting fixture suspension devices



Nov. 18, I958 V g. WOLAR 2,862,121

LIGHTING FIXTURE SUSPENSION DEVICES Filed Feb. 23, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet lINVENTOR J's/00m: W04,

ATTO R N EY Nova 1 195 a. WOLAR 2,861,323

LIGHTING FIXTURE SUSPENSION DEVICES Filed Feb. 23,, 1954 2 Sheets-Sheet2 lNVENTOR ATTORN EY United States Patent() The present inventionrelates to lighting fixture suspension devices and is more particularlydirected toward suspension devices suitable for use with elongatedlighting fixtures for the purpose of facilitating the adjustment of suchfixtures so that they extend in the desired lengthwise direction.

Where fluorescent lighting fixtures are to be mounted as individualunits, it is not possible to hang them in random positions. It isgenerally necessary to have the fixtures mounted so that theirlengthwise dimension bears a definite relation to some fixed referencesuch as the walls of the room, the direction of adjacent fixtures, etc.Where the fixtures are to be supported from a ceiling-carried outlet boxby chain suspensions which converge toward the outlet box, the chainconnections are at opposite sides of the vertical axis through thecenter of the outlet box and these connections need to be in the properazimuth to orient the fixtures properly.

The present invention contemplates a construction for this purpose,wherein the angularly adjustable member adapted for connection to thechains, or other fixture supports, is supported from underneath by aplate, which receives its support from the outlet box. The plate may besecured to the outlet box ears or to a central, boxcarried stud or rod,and the angularly adjustable member held against the mouth of the boxloosely enough to permit intentional angular adjustment duringinstallation.

The present invention also contemplates a construction in which it isunnecessary for the outlet box, usually filled with other wires andsplices, to also accommodate the wiring for the particular fixture. Thiswiring passes below the plate which supports the angularly adjustablemember. Below the plate is a closure which forms a wiring chamber forthe-fixture supply wires and this I closure member is preferablyprovided with a control switch, a convenience outlet, and a wireopening. -The closure is easily detachable for inspection without disvmounting the fixture. I

Other and further objects will appear as the description proceeds.

vThe accompanying drawings show, for purposes of illustrating thepresent invention, several embodiments in which the invention may takeform, it being understood that the drawings are illustrative of theinvention rather than limiting the same. a

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a fluorescent fixture Figures 3, 6, 8and 9.

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Figure 6 is a section on the line 6-6 of Figure 3;

Figure 7 is a fragmentary section on the line 6-6, showing the insertionof a hook into a slot in the angularly adjustable member;

Figure 8 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 3, illustratingparts, like or similar to those of Figure 2, but utilizing the central,outlet box stud;

Figure 9 is a vertical sectional view similar to Figure 3, but showing aconstruction in which the angularly adjustable member has limitedangular movement and is provided with a pair of fixture supports whichmay be mounted in selected angular position;

Figure 10 is a perspective view of the angularly adjustable member andplate of Figure 9;

Figure 11 is a section on the line 11-11 of Figure 9, with parts brokenaway;

Figures 12 and 13 are fragmentary views illustrating a modified form ofconstruction for the securement of the chain; Figure 13 being a sectionon the line 13-13 of Figure 12; and

Figure 14 is a fragmentary illustration of a further modification.

Figure 1 illustrates an elongated fluorescent'fixture F of conventionalform supported by two chains C, C which converge toward and are securedat S and S to a suspension S at the ceiling. The fixture supply wiresare indicated at 1. When the suspension is turned about the verticalaxis, the fixture is swung to a new azimuthal direction as indicated indot and dash lines.

A conventional 4" outlet box is indicated in the drawings at 10. It ismounted with its mouth 11 close to the ceiling line CL, and has theusual inwardly extending cars 12 with tapped holes 13, also the usualknockout 14 for wiring 15. Other wiring, not shown, is also usually insuch a box.

The angularly adjustable member 16 (Figs. 2-8) is in the form of anannular sheet metal stamping. It has an inwardly extending upper flange17 with an opening 18 of a size to be slightly larger than the spacingof the outside walls of the threaded holes 13 in the ears 12. The flange17 is therefore able to bear against the mouth of the outlet box andclear the screws threaded into the holes 13. The member 16 also has alower outwardly di-' rected flange 19 slightly below the ceiling line.The flange, as shown in Figures 2, 3, 4, 6, 7 and 8, has diametricallyopposed, elongated slots 20, 20. The slots 20, 20' are adapted toreceive hook members 21, 21" formed of stiff sheet metal. The bookmembers are alike and preferably of a configuration such that the hookpart may be passed downwardly through the hole 20 or 20f as indicated inFigure 7 and then lowered to the position of The hook members have topflanges 22a, 22b, which rest on the upper face of flange 19, andshoulders 23 which interfere with pushing them back up through the holes20, 20'.

The plate 24, Figures 2, 3, 5 and 8, is a flat sheet metal punchinghaving a rim 25 of a size to be received in the annular member 16 andbear against the lower face of flange 17, and a bridging portion 26provided with a pair of holes 27, 27 spaced the same as the threadedholes 13 (for the 4" box) and a second pair of holes 28, 28 spaced thesame as the holes in the ears of a 3" box. The plate also has a centraltapped hole 23.

The angularly adjustable member 16 with hooks in place and plate 24 maybe secured to the outlet box by screws 30 as shown in Figures 3 and 5,and the annular member 16 held against the mouth. The member 16 may beadjusted angularly to the desired position without interfering withwires such as 15a, 1512 which .pass down through the center opening inmember 16 and the opena ings in plate 24.

The plate 24 carries a depending threaded member 31, such as a rod orlength of A3" pipe. It is shown as being conveniently secured in placeby threading it into the hole 29 and looking it against easy looseningby alock nut 32.. It may, however, be welded or staked in place, ifdesired.

The bottom closure member is indicated at 33, Figures 2, 3, 4 and 8. Itis in the form of a cup-shaped stamping preferably of a diameter to haveits upper edge 34 engage the lower flange 19 of member 16. The closuremember is supported by a nut 35 threaded on the rod or tube 31. When thenut 35 is tightened, it binds the parts tightly together so that theannular member 17 is held against turning about the vertical axis. Theclosure member preferably carries a convenience outlet 36 and switch 37and has a knockout 38 for wires in case the convenience outlet is to beomitted. The switch need not be used. The wires 15a and 15b may beconnected to the outlet and the switch, and the switch connected to theoutlet by wire 150. All this wiring as well as the switch andconvenience outlet are housed below the outlet box where there is plentyof room for them, thereby avoiding crowding of these parts into theoutlet box. All this wiring may be completed before the chains C and Care secured to the hooks 21, 21. Should the switch or convenience outletneed inspection or replacement, they are readily accessible by merelyremoving the nut 35.

When the fixture is hung, as indicated in Figure 3, it is possible toobtain considerable range of angular adjustment without disconnectingthe wires 15a, 15b, and should greater adjustment be desired, theclosure can be removed, the wires detached and reconnected, againwithout lowering the fixture.

The form of construction shown in Figure 8 uses the same principal partsas in Figures 17, inclusive. Instead of using the outlet box ears forsupport, this construction utilizes the usual outlet box stud 40. Areducer 41 threaded onto this stud receives the upper end of a threadedrod or tube 42 long enough to extend down through the closure member 33and receive the nut 35. The plate 24 is threaded onto the rod or tube 42and brought to a position to bear against the flange 17.

In the arrangement shown in Figures 9-11, the angularly adjustablemember 50 resembles the member 16. It, however, has a smaller centralopening 51 and a wider upper flange 52. This flange, as here shown, haspairs of arcuate slots 53 and 53 for the screws to fit the ears of 4"and 3" outlet boxes. It has deeper side walls 54 and the lower flange 55is farther from the ceiling line CL. The plate 56 is a strap withelongated slots 57 adapted to receive screws for the ears of eithersized box, and with a central tapped hole 58 similar to hole 29 abovereferred to. The plate 56 and adjustable member 50 are secured to theoutlet box by screws 30 as before. The flange 55 has several pairs ofdiametrically opposite slots 59 similar to slots 20, 20" and adapted toreceive the hook members 21, 21. The lowering of the flange 55 makes itpossible to find the holes in a selected pair of slots, to approximatelyorient the fixture, and the arcuate slots through which the screws 30pass permit further adjustment. The closure member 60 is similar to theclosure member 33, but deeper and telescopes into the annular member 50as shown.

Instead of providing the flanges with slots such as 20 or 59, and usinghook members such as indicated at 21, other means may be employed tosecure the upper end of the chain to the angularly adjustable member.For example, the metal may be slitted as indicated at 61 in Figures 12and 13, and a strip 62, bent down so that the chain link 63 may besecured about it.

In the modification illustrated in Figure 14, the closure 64 is flat andbears against the bottom of flange 65, equivalent to 55 or a lowerflange 19.

The hook member and slot construction shown herein 4 are claimed in myco-pending application Ser. No. 418,- 652, filed March 23, 1954.

Since it is obvious that the invention may be embodied in other formsand constructions within the scope of the claims, I wish it to beunderstood that the particular forms shown are but several of theseforms, and various modifications and changes being possible, I do nototherwise limit myself in any way with respect thereto.

What is claimed:

1. A lighting fixture suspension device providing two points of supporton opposite sides of a vertical axis and for accommodating fixturewiring, comprising a stamping having an upper, inwardly directed annularflange, a lower, outwardly directed annular flange, a horizontal bearingplate adapted to be supported from above by means passing through thestamping and engageable with the lower face of the upper flange tosupport the stamping for angular movement about said vertical axis, theplate and stamping having passageways for wiring, a closure memberengageable with the lower face of the stamping outside the plate, theclosure member and stamping having a shape when assembled to form awiring chamber, means to secure the closure in place, and means carriedby the lower flange outside the closure member for attaching fixturesupports.

2. A device such as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper flange definesan opening of a size less than the mouth of the standard outlet box ofpredetermined size so that the said upper flange may be held against themouth of such an outlet box.

3. A device such as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate hasscrew-receiving holes spaced to accommodate screws for engagement withsupporting means, and the closure securing means includes a stud securedto the plate.

4. A device such as claimed in claim 3, wherein the inner edge of theupper flange is outside the screw receiving holes.

5. A device such as claimed in claim 1, wherein the plate has a threadedopening for a supporting rod and the closure securing means includes arod threaded through the opening in the plate and extending above theplate for securement to a superposed support 6. A device such as claimedin claim 1, wherein the closure securing means includes a rod secured'tothe plate andextending down through the closure, and a retaining deviceon the lower end of the rod.

7. A device such as claimed in claim 1, having a convenience outletcarried by the closure and connected to wiring in the wiring chamber.

8. A device such as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper edge of theclosure member abuts the lower flange of the stamping.

9. A device such as claimed in claim 1, wherein the upper edge of theclosure member abuts the lower face of the upper flange.

10. A lighting fixture suspension and wiring device for use with adownwardly opening outlet box, comprising an upper horizontal firstmember centrally apertured to accommodate wiring from the outlet box andadapted to bear against the mouth of the outlet box and having outwardlyextending portions provided with devices on opposite sides of its axis,for the securement of lighting fixture supports, a second plate-likemember under the inner portions of the first member and past which thewiring may extend, means for securing the plate-like member to theoutlet box and against the first member so that it may bear against theoutlet box mouth and the first member may be angularly adjusted whilesupported from the plate-like member, a closure member which togetherwith the first member forms a wiring chamber below the platelike member,a convenience outlet carried by the closure member for the reception ofa plug, and means including a threaded rod carried by the plate likemember and a nut carried thereon below the closure member for clampingthe upper member, the plate-like member and closure member together.

11. A combined wiring device and lighting fixture suspension for usewith a downwardly opening outlet box, comprising an upper aperturedmember of a size to bear against the mouth of the outlet box, a lowerclosure member which together with the upper member forms a wiringchamber, a convenience outlet carried by the closure member and housedin the wiring chamber, a supporting plate bearing against the lowersurface of the upper member opposite the mouth of the outlet box andapertured for the passage of wiring, means to secure the supportingplate to the outlet box and support the upper member for angularadjustment about a vertical axis, means to secure the closure member tothe plate so that the upper member, closure member and plate are clampedtogether and secured against angular movement, and fixture supportingdevices carried by the upper member outside the closure member.

12. A device for supporting an elongated lighting fixture for selectedazimuthal mounting positions, comprising a fixedly mounted outlet boxwith a horizontal downwardly facing month, an annular member having anopening of smaller diameter than the outlet box mouth so as to be ableto bear against the mouth of the box and provide access thereto forwiring, a bearing plate under the annular member, the bearing platebeing of a size to bear against the inner edges of the same and of aconfiguration to permit wiring to extend from the box past the same,means for securing the bearing plate to the outlet box to support theannular member from the outlet box with its upper face bearing againstthe mouth of the box and for angular adjustment about a vertical axis, alower closure member which bears against the lower face of the annularmember to form a closure for the wiring passages and a wiring chamberbelow the bearing plate, means to secure the closure member against theannular member and the annular member against the plate, anddiametrically opposite devices carried by the annular member outside theclosure member for securing lighting fixture supports.

13. A device such as claimed in claim 12, wherein the outlet box hasinwardly extending ears with tapped holes and the plate securing meansincludes screws which pass through the plate and annular member and arethreaded into the cars.

14. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the opening in theannular member is larger than the spacing of the plate-securing screws,whereby the annular member may be shifted through 360".

15. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the annular member hasslots of limited angular extent through which the screws pass to limitthe angular adjustment of the annular member relative to the outlet box.

16. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the closure securingmeans include a depending threaded member carried by the plate,extending through the closure and provided with a retaining device.

17. A device such as claimed -in claim 12, wherein the outlet box has acentral dependent threaded member onto which the plate is threaded tobear against the annular member and the lower end of the threaded memberpasses through the closure to form, together with a retaining device,the closure securing means.

18. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the bearing plate isin the form of a ring with a bridging member, and the closure supportingmeans includes the bridging member.

19. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outlet box hasinwardly extending ears with tapped holes, the bearing plate is in theform of a ring with a bridging member, the plate securing means includesscrews which pass through the plate and annular member and are threadedinto the ears, and the closure supporting means includes said bridgingmember.

20. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the outlet box hasinwardly extending ears with tapped holes, the annular member has slotsof limited angular length opposite the tapped holes, the bearing plateis in the form of a strap, the plate securing means including screwspassing through the plate and the said slots and threaded onto the ears,and the closure securing means includes a threaded rod carried by thestrap.

21. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the opening in theannular member is in an inwardly extending upper flange and the annularmember has a lower, outwardly extending flange from which the lightingfixture supports extend.

22. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the closure membercarries a convenience outlet which extends up into the wiring chamber.

23. A device such as claimed in claim 13, wherein the closure membercarries a convenience outlet and a switch, both of which extend up intothe wiring chamber.

References Cited in the file of this patent UNITED STATES PATENTS1,667,961 Thompson May 1, 1928 2,456,997 Sachs Dec. 21, 1948 2,523,180Anderson Sept. 19, 1950 2,528,238 McDaid Oct. 31, 1950 2,545,124Thornblom Mar. 13, 1951 2,545,564 Appleton Mar. 20, 1951

